alice on sun 5 dec 99
I have a question about Graphite. I'm trying to figure out how to get it to
stick to clay. I'm sure a lot of you saw the November issue of Ceramics
Monthly where there was an article on Micheal Wisner who uses graphite on
his work. He applies graphite to green ware, and then fires it (very
quickly, sort of a Raku type firing as far as I can tell.) I tried his
method of applying the graphite, and unfortunately I do not have access to
a Raku type kiln(just standard electric and an alpine gas kiln), so when I
bisqued my piece all the graphite burned off. I've seen other work that
has graphite applied to it as a finished surface. So I'm hoping that
someone can help me with a way to get it to stick to bisque ware. I've
tried mixing powdered graphite in with Oil, and it just rubs right off at
the slightest tough, and I've also tried using lighter fluid (as suggested
in the article) with the same result. And I've also just tried using a
pencil, and same result. So if there is a mixture of some sort that will
get the graphite to stick to the surface, I would love you forever if you
share the secrete
thanks much,
alice unger
-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-
Those who dance are thought mad by those who hear not the music.
http://www.sccs.swarthmore.edu/~alice
Peter Jones on mon 6 dec 99
Dear Alice
have you tried "Zeebrite" grate polish. Apply it to the bisque ware
with a cloth and bring it up to a silvery polish.
regards
Peter
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I have a question about Graphite. I'm trying to figure out how to get it to
> stick to clay. I'm sure a lot of you saw the November issue of Ceramics
> Monthly where there was an article on Micheal Wisner who uses graphite on
> his work. He applies graphite to green ware, and then fires it (very
> quickly, sort of a Raku type firing as far as I can tell.) I tried his
> method of applying the graphite, and unfortunately I do not have access to
> a Raku type kiln(just standard electric and an alpine gas kiln), so when I
> bisqued my piece all the graphite burned off. I've seen other work that
> has graphite applied to it as a finished surface. So I'm hoping that
> someone can help me with a way to get it to stick to bisque ware. I've
> tried mixing powdered graphite in with Oil, and it just rubs right off at
> the slightest tough, and I've also tried using lighter fluid (as suggested
> in the article) with the same result. And I've also just tried using a
> pencil, and same result. So if there is a mixture of some sort that will
> get the graphite to stick to the surface, I would love you forever if you
> share the secrete
>
> thanks much,
> alice unger
>
> -=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-=O=-
> Those who dance are thought mad by those who hear not the music.
>
> http://www.sccs.swarthmore.edu/~alice
>
>
Peter Jones
peter@artists.u-net.com
Artwork may be viewed at
http://www.artists.u-net.com/pj-index.htm
Maybe you would like to be added to my Artists directory?
http://www.artists.u-net.com/
Bob Wicks on mon 6 dec 99
Alice:
I also read the CM article that you mention and have had good results.
Actually I tried all of the methods mentioned in the article with mixed
results. First, the clay must be a low fire body and it should be suitable
for burnishing. I have used Standard # 105 and Amaco #20. Both of these
give excellent results. I have used a damp soft T shirt for application
using antifreeze as the vehicle. Moisten the rag with anti freeze and then
give the rag a few puffs of graphite and rub on a leather hard project and
burnish with a smooth object. Inspite of what the article said I have had
poor results using bisque fired to cone 04. I use a jewelers burnishing
tool. You could use the back of a spoon. The gloss comes up immediately.
Then give a final polish with a soft cloth. I have also used WD40 is good
results. Now the final trick is the drying and firing. Bake your project in
the oven @ 500 deg. for 2 hours and then place it in your kiln and fire to
014. I do mine in a gas Raku kiln and then reduce it in saw dust. The
results are mind boggling. I judge the temperature by color of the fire.
Take it out when it starts to turn a dull red or before it reaches bright
red. Temperature is the key problem you face. And again, apply the graphite
on damp leatherhard clay, not on bisque ware.
Good luck.
Bob
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